The suffocating aroma emanating from a favorite pair of shoes does not at all indicate that its service life has elapsed. It is possible to restore the former “wearability” of a comfortable and decent-looking thing, the only problem of which is an unpleasant odor. The reader will learn how to get rid of stench from shoes by reading the material below.
Every inhabitant of the planet has encountered the annoying problem of smelly shoes - this is not surprising. The main reason is considered to be increased sweating of the owner of the “clothes” for the feet. Despite the fact that sweat, consisting of 98% water and 2% other elements (salts, acids, trace elements, hormones, cholesterol), is odorless, the aroma appears under conditions of high humidity. Having become a victim of bacteria, the components of sweat have no choice but to decompose and emit a stench. Therefore, “caustic bouquets” are more common in the summer: hot weather and poorly ventilated shoes lead to consequences that repel everyone and everything. The smell settles in people's shoes even in winter if they do not follow simple hygiene rules.
The stench does not always lie in a person’s neglect of water procedures: you can find yourself in an awkward situation after accidentally stepping into a puddle while walking. In the end, the individual characteristics of the body often lead to an incident. All these factors do not take away the need to combat the specific aroma of your shoes.
Gentle ways to combat unstable odor
- Drying.
As it turned out, the smell appears in shoes with high humidity. The conclusion that comes to mind is: try to overcome the problem by drying your “fast shoes” - the method is simple and reliable. First you need to pull out the laces, lift up/pull out the tongues, place the shoes on the radiator, in direct sunlight. Don’t overdo it with the latter: long exposure to the sun will cause the color of the material to fade.
- Wash.
They knock out a wedge with a wedge, don’t they? It’s not hard to guess that the best way to get rid of stench is pairs made of fabric (sneakers and sneakers). It is permissible to use both a washing machine and a basin. It is important not to use high temperatures or centrifuges. For greater effect, experienced housewives add fabric softeners to the water, which add aroma, or white vinegar, which helps kill stinking bacteria.
- Freezing.
The next method is freezing. Cold can kill all bacteria, which means this method of dealing with unpleasant shoe odor is suitable! For the procedure, you need to place the boots in the freezer, after wrapping them in a plastic bag. The result will exceed all expectations if you double the strategy by defrosting the item after 10-12 hours in the sun.
- Citrus boom.
There is an easy way to get rid of an unstable aroma - prepare a “cocktail” from citrus zest. For temporary filling of shoes, peeling orange, grapefruit and lemon fruits are suitable. You just need to leave the peel inside the shoes overnight; the essential oils contained in the peel will do the rest within a short time. A similar effect is achieved by applying a few drops of lavender oil to the insoles.
- Newspapers or litter for a pet tray.
Excess moisture will disappear in an instant if you put compressed paper or litter for a cat tray in your shoes. They will absorb sweat and accompanying odors.
Harsh methods to help defeat the odor
The following methods are more effective than those described earlier. However, you should consider their negative impact on the material from which the shoes are made. To avoid changing search queries from "How to get rid of an unpleasant odor?" to "Where to buy new shoes?", the procedures should be carried out carefully.
- Vodka + ammonia.
The name of the first method conceals its essence: prepare a mixture of vodka and ammonia. Generously wipe the inner lining of the shoe until the specific aroma disappears.
- Acetic acid.
Disinfection with vinegar helps in the fight against fungus that causes stench. It is important to treat the inside of shoes only with diluted essence: it will not harm either the item or the hands of its owner.
- Baking soda and charcoal.
Depending on the color of the shoes, choose a substance that you will use to remove foreign odors: soda is suitable for light shoes, and activated charcoal is suitable for dark shoes. You need to pour powder or crushed charcoal into cotton socks and leave this creation in the shoes overnight.
- Salt.
In other words: long, but accurate. Salt generously sprinkled into shoes fights disgusting odors and fungus for three to four days. Nevertheless, you can find a remedy in every home!
- Only vodka.
The most popular alcohol-containing liquid helps to quickly remove stench. Hospitably wet your shoes with vodka and wear them for a while in clean socks.You will forget about the unpleasant odor after 2-3 “procedural” hours, and the aroma of alcohol in a matter of minutes.
- Deodorant powder.
By preparing the mixture according to the following recipe and treating its inner surface of the “fragrant” thing, you will get rid of the embarrassing smell: mix 3 tbsp. spoons of soda with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of cornstarch, 4-6 drops of tea tree oil.
- Additional funds.
Are you interested in other methods of getting rid of odor? Use potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide or Fomidron. To do this, you need to wipe the inner surface of the boots with an antiseptic and leave for 12-20 hours. If the odor is strong, try pouring peroxide inside the shoes and wait until the bubbles stop appearing. All that remains is to pour out the liquid and dry the item.
Prevention is the key to success
The extremely annoying problem of unpleasant shoe odor can affect any person. It doesn’t matter whether your favorite pair of boots stinks or smells, because in any case prevention is important. A set of rules will help you put an end to your painful relationship with stench (after a series of “operations”) or not start it at all:
- Stay clean. Carry out water treatments for your feet: wash them with soap and wipe dry. Change your socks daily.
- Air circulation in shoes. In summer, give preference to open models that suit the season. Leave closed shoes to air out overnight to ensure they remain fresh.
- Dry shoes are the key to not only long and reliable wear, but also the absence of a musty smell. Be sure to dry your boots both outside and inside.
- Change your insoles - they have the property of absorbing odors. A monthly update would be advisable.Do not forget about the existence of flavored “bedding”.
- Do not neglect deodorants, creams and shoe care products (water-repellent impregnation).
- Get some replacement shoes. At work, school, at home and on a visit, they will help you avoid rapid wear and tear of things and the appearance of an unpleasant odor in them.
To fix the problem or prevent its occurrence, it is enough to take a number of simple measures. The above methods apply if your shoes have not received the title of "most unpleasant smelling". Otherwise, it is easier to get a new pair of boots and give them proper care and attention.
